THE RETURN Of the LEGENDARY KING of WAR

Broken

Lizzy heart drops. She imagines how she has rehearsed her script, her speeches, how applause will rain when she gives it.

How her friends become red with envy when she finally signs with Verizon. But now, all that seems like a distant dream. What is she going to do now?

She glances at Mr Theo and remembers how he has sent her an email even after months of dismissal, and her curiosity piques.

“Hey, are you even listening to—”

“Wait, Mr Theodore… why did you send me that email again after you had vehemently declined my proposal?” She asks, unable to hold her curiosity.

Lizzy watches as Mr Theo frowns, before his lips parts open for an explanation.

More than ever now, Lizzy is broken. Now she has more questions when she comes than answers.

“So what should I do? This…this is really important to me. The supplemental agreement. Maybe you could do something? Anything! I'll…I'll do anything you ask of me.” She says, as desperation latches in her voice.

Mr Theodore shakes his head. “You don't understand. How can I do something when I don't even know this…this mysterious owner? Like, I wish I could. But there's nothing I can do to help you.”

Theodore sees how broken Lizzy is, so he adds, “You can rest up here for a while before you head back home.”

And just like that, he turns his back on her and carries on with the files in the tablet he is holding.

Lizzy stands up and starts to walk to her can with trembling legs and mind that is as confused and blank as a sheet of paper. She doesn't know what to do.

As she drives back home, her head repeats what Mr Theo has said. “I only emailed you back because I got a call from someone.”

“Someone…” Lizzy grits, clenching the steering wheel hard, her nails digging into her palm.

She is almost at the very pigue of her happiness, and yet…and yet…

She hits the steering wheel as a bolt of frustration slams into her like a thunderstorm.

‘could it be Burke?’ she thinks. ‘but if it was him, wouldn't his father mention it? And if it's not him, then did he lie to her before? And who could that person have been?’

“Damn it! Damn it!” She hits the steering again, making a mental note to ask Burke when he comes to visit again.

“But then, wouldn't that hurt his pride?” Lizzy thinks further. She was almost running mad. She exhales and shakes her head.

She arrives home and drives into their garage. She parks her car and walks inside, dejection stuantering along her very steps. It is like the whole universe is mocking her, pointing and ruthlessly laughing at her.

She flings her bag on the couch the moment she walks into the massive sitting room, slouching down on the leather chair.

Her mother, Liliana, walks into the sitting room as she sits down. She is smiling, not knowing the turbulence that stirs her daughter's soul.

“You're back,” she says, smiling broadening even more. “I know you had that potential when you signed that agreement! Quickly, hurry up and show me the agreement!”

When Lizzy didn't respond, her smile slowly reduces, as she notes the room I told it finally vanishes. “Lizzy dear, what's wrong with you? You don't look happy.”

She lowers herself into the seat next to Lizzy, taking her hands into hers. “Tell mommy. You know she is here to help right?”

“I know, but mom, I don't think you'll be able to help out with this one.” She says wearily, earning a frown from Liliana's face.

“What do you mean by that?”

“It means that this is above us.”

“How can you say that? Have you forgotten how I've helped you in the past?” Liliana smiles at her daughter. “Looks like you underestimated your mother. Don't forget that I still have connections. Just hold on and you'll see what I can do.”

Lizzy nods. At this point she has no choice than to trust her mother. Maybe her mother can pull this off after all. Maybe she does have the power to call someone who can change everything.

Lizzy sits straighter, a flicker of hope sparkling in her chest as she watches her mother snap her fingers with an efficiently practiced grace.

“Phone,” Liliana says, her voice cold and commanding, the kind that permits no refusal.

The maid doesn't even hesitate, she runs towards them, bowing slightly before she scurries off like a frightened mouse.

Moments later, she returns with the phone held on a velvet tray as if it were a crown jewel.

Liliana takes it slowly, eyes on Lizzy, smiling just enough to show she's still in control.

“You forget too easily,” she says softly, running her manicured fingers down the edge of her phone. “Your mother may have retired from the Matriarchal battlefield, darling, but she still owns some of the weapons.”

She is hinting that she is still in control of some powers as a McCall.

She scrolls through her contacts, her expression unreadable. Then, with a slow inhale, she taps the screen and presses the phone to her ear.

The phone rings.

Once.

Twice.

And then, three times, making a subtle frown appear on her slightly wrinkled face.

On the fourth ring, a male, nervous voice finally answers, “H-hello?”

Liliana's eyes narrows, her smile sharpening like a knife. “Well, well… Wilton,” she drawls, “Four rings? Really? I almost forgot how full of yourself you could be.”

There's a nervous laugh from the other end. “Madame McCalls… forgive me, I didn't realize it was you.”

“Of course you didn't.” She leans back against the chair, voice silk laced with steel. “Back in the day, your family would have answered by the first half-ring. I suppose loyalty isn't what it used to be.” She reminds subtly.

Wilton Edner coughs lightly, clearly uncomfortable. “H-how may I help you?” He stutters.

He knows that Madame McCalls calls don't come for tete-a-tete. It comes with a command and favor.

Liliana gets to the point. “The supplemental agreement. My daughter needs it signed and delivered, and I'm told you're still at Verizon. So I want you to make it happen.”